San Antonio Construction News March 2020

Covering the Industry’s News

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25 years of building walls

Before fax machines

The South Texas Drywall family.

Dausin Electric Company father-and-son team L-R: Kyle and Ronnie Dausin.

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t’s been 25 years since Michael Traugott Sr. and Rick Mudd joined forces to form South Texas Drywall. The two had crossed paths throughout their construction careers when they made the leap to join forces and start a drywall company together in 1995.

Traugott Inc. Painting was already established, offering brick and mortar for South Texas Drywall. Not only did Traugott Inc. and South Texas Drywall share the same space, but personnel also played dual roles with one of the painting estimators learning the drywall business.

“As South Texas Drywall began growing in volume, we realized we were going to have to hire some people and we were going to need more space,” says South Texas Drywall President Michael Traugott Jr.

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nce part of a larger firm, Steve Jett and Cindy Moses formed Stegemueller, Jett & Co. in 1991.

Since that time, the Stegemuellers of the named firm retired leaving Jett and Moses as the heart of the company.

As a small firm, Jett and Moses found keeping up with the latest accounting standards, tax laws and particularly competing for staff was very difficult. “There is such a big demand for accountants. As a small firm, it was hard to compete.

That’s why we decided we needed to get into a situation that would provide better resources to help our clients,” says Jett.

That is when Jett and Moses reached out to Ridout Barrett about joining forces.

The two firms began talks in early 2019 and finalized negotiations at year end. “We decided to get through the tax season and ramped it back up in the summer. We then got all of our ducks in a row and executed our documents,” says Ridout Barrett Managing Partner Melanie Geist.

In 2000, about the time Traugott Jr. came on board full-time, Traugott Inc. and South Texas Drywall moved to a new building. With more personnel and a larger facility, South Texas Drywall was on track to move full steam ahead to service San Antonio and the surrounding areas.

In 2012, Mudd retired and Traugott Jr., then an estimator and project manager, took the reins leading the company. “I’ve been working for the company ever since I can recall, spending summers in the field.

I went to college to get out of construction industry and do something different. I came to help with estimating for the drywall company while I was still in college and after earning my degree, I began working full time, learned more of the business and never left,” says Traugott Jr. continued on Page 18

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onnie and Irene Dausin started their full-service electrical contracting firm in 1985. Since then, the company has earned a reputation for their commitment to high quality work with an attention to detail. Dausin Electric Company continues to provide electrical contracting services that include new construction, installation, electrical upgrades, repair, infrared survey, and emergency response services.

2020 is a big year for Dausin Electric as it will be celebrating 35 years in business. But that’s not all the company has going on during this milestone year. Ronnie and Irene’s son, Kyle, is transitioning to oversee the business.

“Kyle has been in the business since he was born practically. Probably in 2021, Kyle will be taking over and I’ll eventually

fade away as he continues to grow the business,” says Ronnie.

“It’s exciting times over here. About five or six years ago when I came back on, we put a game plan in place. We have just been attacking that plan and moving forward. We’re building new relationships with new customers. We’re doing great work around San Antonio and the surrounding areas.

“We have a lot of good opportunities on the horizon that we are going to keep pushing towards, doing good work and standing by the status quo that Ronnie has led out there for us using that as the backbone and keep it moving forward,” adds Kyle.

Ronnie admits he was not sure that his son would ever want to be involved in continued on Page 18

Building on strength

L-R: Steve Jett, Cindy Moses, Melanie Geist and Tony Ridout.

Effective Jan. 1, Ridout Barrett acquired Stegemueller Jett & Co. bringing Jett and Moses on board the Ridout Barrett team.

“We are building on our strength of being a local firm. We are not a big firm, but we’re not small either. We have the ability to tap into larger firm resources as a member of an international alliance,” continues Geist.

“Yes, we are both excited and looking forward to all the help we are getting here. And to touch on what Melanie said, one of the other things that appealed to us was the resources that the firm has and yet, it still has the personality of a small firm so we thought it would be a better fit for us personally and for our clients,” Jett adds.

Steve Jett is a well-rounded certified public accountant who is well versed in construction accounting and has been providing accounting services for over 40 continued on Page 18

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San Antonio Construction News • MAR 2020

Under pressure

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A lifetime of painting

Heavy equipment cleaning, Frac Sand Equipment Expo 2019

hile pursuing a corporate career in the investment industry, Nick De La Rosa experienced the market crash of 2008. The unemployment rate rose to 10 percent and everyone was on edge. “Every day at work we waited for an email that would determine our future.

“Fortunately, the impact around me was minimal. However, I began to research the opportunity of investing in myself and starting a business that would give me full control and the ability to secure my own future,” says De La Rosa.

With the support of his family and the experience he gained as a vendor selling at Fiesta events with the city of San Antonio, he saved up enough money and made an investment into commercial hot water pressure washing equipment. De La Rosa, at the young age of 21, then opened his own business, D2HYDRO-WASH LLC in 2009.

“In my research, I discovered the pressure washing service industry has multiple applications and is needed in many industries. It can be very rewarding with satisfying results. It allows me to get out in the field and meet decision makers in person. We provide our expertise and

Prepare for Line Striping - NRP Latitude 2018

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help them get back to what they do best.

I get satisfaction knowing that I helped deliver a great service that is enjoyed by their employees, customers and the community all around San Antonio,” De La Rosa continues.

Excited about the service he provides, he is even more excited about the latest in pressure washing. New to the washing industry is low press soft washing.

“Traditionally, pressure washing is done with high pressure and a lot people understand that method. A new method called “low pressure soft washing” uses low pressure, allowing the chemicals to do the work to treat things like mold, mildew and algae that are growing on the surface.

Soft washing is the best method for removing dirt, algae, mold and mildew from soft surfaces such as rooftops, siding, stucco, and Dryvit,” adds De La Rosa.

Based in Helotes, TX, De La Rosa and his crews are highly equipped. They have the capability to of cleaning up to 30,000 sf of concrete in a single day, servicing San Antonio, the surrounding hill country and Austin.

D2HYDRO-WASH LLC is a surface cleaning subcontractor in Helotes, TX. -cmw

Joel Sanchez, owner of GJ Sanchez Painting

s far back as 9 years old, Joel Sanchez, owner of GJ Sanchez Painting, can remember going to work with his dad. “I’m a third-generation painter. My grandfather was a painter and my father was a painter,” says Sanchez.

All grown up, Sanchez got married and joined the service. After getting out of the service, Sanchez began looking for work as a civilian. He recalls taking his wife to the doctor suspecting she might be expecting when he saw a sign for Specia Builders and decided to see if they were looking for painters. After all, he knew painting. He had been around it his whole life.

He remembers them asking for pricing which he gave them. As he left, he says, the owner stopped him asking him to look at one of his rental properties.

Sanchez went to the rental property, gave him pricing and began working as a painter. A few weeks later, he was asked to be Specia’s prime painter. That was 1983.

“I didn’t have a truck. I didn’t have anything. I carried my ladders on the roof of a car or on the sides or wherever I had to put them. All I knew was I needed to get myself to those jobsites. I finally hired one guy to help me when I took on a large custom home. A week later I hired another guy. I now had two guys under my belt and it just kind of bloomed from there.”

A couple of years later, Sanchez had 35 painters working for him. He was painting track homes for pretty much every track home builder in San Antonio during that time. “There weren’t enough hours in a day for me to go to every subdivision where I had houses. It was good.

But it got old pretty quick.”

Sanchez started transitioning into commercial as he was picking up more and more commercial work. “Commercial jobs were better. They were easier and it was different. Now that is pretty much all I do. I do about 95 percent commercial and five percent residential. I have established some long-lasting relationships. I love it because I have stayed in contact with these people through the years. They think highly of my work.

We’ve become friends and I value them.”

Specializing in commercial painting, the number of GJ Sanchez employees fluctuates depending on project workloads. Sanchez currently has 12 painters, three tape and floaters and, occasionally, he utilizes additional tape and floaters on a subcontract basis.

In his 37 years as a painter, Sanchez says paints have changed over the years.

One thing he says you don’t see any more is oil-based caulk. “Back in the day when I was working with my dad at 9 years old, I remember using oil-based caulk. I have yet to find anyone my age that can say they used oil-based caulk and I’m 57.

More and more oil-based paints are being phased out. When it comes to caulking, everything is latex.”

Sanchez says painting is all he’s ever known. “This is what I do. I don’t know what else to do. As long as we keep making people happy through the painting part of what we do, I’ll keep doing it. The only other thing that interests me is real estate. So if I ever decide to hang up my brushes, that’s probably the route I would go.”

GJ Sanchez is a commercial painting contractor in San Antonio. -cmw

San Antonio Construction News • MAR 2020

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Keeping a memory alive

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lmost eight years ago, a joyous occasion took a tragic turn. While celebrating his 50th birthday, barbecuing and enjoying friends and family, the unexpected happened. Flint Newbury, the birthday boy, dove into a swimming pool, breaking his neck. Air Life took him to the hospital where he spent

$35,000 in an annual endowment for scholarships per year . That would be net proceeds. We are hoping for 50 cooking teams and would like to double the number of shooters we’ve had in the past to 250,” adds Stuart.

“The event will be held on Apr. 10-11 and is an IBCA sponsored event. The cost to enter your 4-man cook team is $250.

We will be judging three categories of meat – brisket, chicken and ribs, paying out $3,000 in prizes for 1st, 2nd & 3rd in each category, high overall and a runner up. 4-man shooting teams are $600 per team. Each team shoots 100 sporting clays. It will be a great time,” says Mike Clayton, close friend and hunting buddy of Flint Newbury. -cmw L-R: Robert and Williie Stuart, president and vice president of Friends of Flint.

Don Flint Newbury

five weeks on a ventilator in the ICU unit.

He endured three months in a rehabilitation facility in order to adjust to his new life as a quadriplegic.

Having been a beloved member of the construction industry for many years, family and friends quickly rallied together to begin raising funds for Newbury’s rising medical expenses, establishing Friends of Flint. Sadly, Newbury passed away this past April from complications as a result of his accident.

Newbury worked in the equipment rental industry before going to work for Lynwood Building Materials where he worked for 16 years. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to fish and hunt.

In his memory, Friends of Flint has

shifted gears. They’ve incorporated, applied for their 501(c)(3) status and are now raising money for 4H and FFA scholarships.

“Our mission now is to raise money for 4H and FFA scholarships. We want to have an endowment set up that will last forever. We are trying to raise enough money and fund scholarships along the way, put an endowment in there so that when we are dead and gone, Flint’s name will live forever,” says Robert Stuart, long-time friend and Friends of Flint president.

For the past five years, Friends of Flint has been hosting a sporting clay shoot at the Bexar Community Shooting Range. Last year, they incorporated a barbecue cookoff. “Having had to turn cook teams away last year due to space, we decided to expand and by doing that we changed venues. Now we will be at the National Shooting Complex. We have a lot more room for our cooking teams, and a lot more room to take on more shooters.

“Our ideal goal is to put $25,000 -

Lunch anyone?

Construction News caught up with Anibal Balthazar and Clemente de Hoyos with Maverick of Texas before taking a lunch break after a midnight pour. -cmw

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San Antonio Construction News • MAR 2020

Amazing kids, amazing projects

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he 4th year of the Ag Mechanics Marketplace Auction continued to be a crowd pleaser for the folks who come out to support these kids and pick up some great buys on unique items. The event was held in conjunction with the Ad Mechanics Show at the San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo which brings in contestants from 4H and FFA Chapters from all across the great State of Texas.

The bidding was active and this year the combined total for the live and silent auctions was $132,700 with $112,000 coming from a very exciting live auction.

Construction News asked Marketplace Co-Chairs Ruben Martinez and Travis Cody, both with Joeris General Contractors to give us some comments on the event.

“We have seen increases every year, so it keeps getting bigger and better,” said Martinez. “We have increased the amount of companies attending the trade show and it’s a great event for these young students to get exposure to some of the companies in the area. We

are always stressing the need for new people in the trade industry. It’s a great event to expose them and start them young, so maybe some go into some apprentice programs or internships.”

We really appreciate our volunteers and all they do.

It takes a lot of man hours, but it is very rewarding.”

“This year it seems like the quality of the projects we are getting entered into the contest by the exhibitors is exponentially increasing,” stated Cody. Many of the students here are the future of our skilled labor force. As our labor force becomes older and retiring, we need new people to fill in the skilled trades. That’s exactly what we see coming out of this show.”

The construction industry was well represented and were some of the biggest buyers in the auction. Urban Concrete Contractors was again the title sponsor for the Marketplace event.

Both Martinez and Cody hope the event keeps growing and they see even more involvement from the construction industry. -bd

Grand Champion team from Marble falls FFA with Buyer Urban Concrete Contractors.

Urban Concrete Contractors

Reserve Grand Champions from Thorndale FFA with buyer Rush Enterprises

Bartlett Cocke General Contractors

Independent Electrical Contractors San Antonio chapter

Joeris General Contractors

Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 142

RDO Equipment

CMC Commercial Metals

Zachry Construction Corporation

Associated Builders & Contractors, South Texas

Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors San Antonio

San Antonio Construction News • MAR 2020

Page 5

White’s new chapter

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The White family traveled from all over to celebrate Steve’s retirement.

fter 37 years in the crane rental business – 17 as the owner of Americrane Rentals, Steve White has lowered his last boom and retiring. Officially retired on Jan. 3 this year, the construction industry came together on Feb. 20 to celebrate his retirement and bid him farewell. The celebration was held at Blue Bonnet Palace in Selma with live music provided by the Two for the Road Band and barbecue prepared by Leonard John.

He came to Texas to work for Lane Construction in 1981 in a Volkswagen bug with $50 in his pocket, a bag of clothes and a case of spinach. He then went to work for Capital Crane where he found his niche in the crane rental indus-

try. He called Alamo Crane Services home for 16 years before starting up his own successful crane rental business, AmeriCRANE Rentals LP in 2002.

With the crane business behind him, White will continue his philanthropy work with the Shriners Hospital for Children in Galveston where he was elected Vice President of the Board of Governors.

“I’m excited about this new chapter. I just love waking up every day knowing that I made a difference or saved a child’s life.

That’s my goal. I wake up and ask myself, what can I do to make a difference today?”

Congratulations Steve. The construction industry will not be the same without you! -cmw

Americrane, new owner Jim Robertson thanks Steve for the business he created.

L-R: Trey Sparks, Beyer Mechanical; Justin Beard, TDIndustries and Cody Quetin, Beyer Mechanical

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Destination Spain

andy Cheatham and Veronica Despres with Atlas Flooring Carpet One participated in NKBA Texas South Plains Chapter Food Fight 2019.

This is the second year the ladies at Atlas Flooring have participated in this annual food and drink competition. The event’s theme was Destination Spain.

“I love to design and entertain for different events. I try to have mini events on the weekends at Atlas Floors and post pictures our Facebook page.

Why not have fun at work I say!

“This year there were nine different drink teams. Our drink was called Sangria De L-R: Sandy Cheatham and Veronica Despres show off Mariposa and we were voted their award for winning Best Ringside Sangria.

Best Ringside Sangria. We came up with a fun twist to the typical fitting since the event was the weekend Spanish tapas decor and dress,” says before Halloween.”

The 2019 event proceeds from the Cheatham.

“We worked very hard at perfecting event went to help support young indiour recipe and decor down to hiring a viduals interested in the trades. -cmw local professional face painter to do our day of the dead makeup. The theme was

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San Antonio Construction News • MAR 2020

Ever Wonder Why You Need An Employee Handbook?

Rhonda Chadwick, SPHR, SHRM-SCP Firm Administrator Ridout Barrett & Co., PC San Antonio, TX

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o your employees know your expectations? Are they in writing? Have your employees acknowledged your expectations? If not, you could have a big problem on your hands.

The lack of an employee handbook or having one that hasn’t been updated recently can cause any business owner headaches. An easy description of a handbook is a document which lays out your expectations for your employees as their employer in black and white. It also lays out, in black and white, what your employees can expect from you as their employer. Unfortunately, leaving any gray areas or things subject to interpretation can sometimes cause legal issues for you.

Your employee handbook is an important, necessary business document and is the backbone of the people side of your business. It provides a standardized explanation of human resources policies and can prevent misunderstandings, complaints and legal action by your employees.

What types of things should be included in your handbook? You will want to include all types of relevant business and personnel information such as: • Employment information regarding conflicts of interest, employment eligibility, employment records, Equal Employment Opportunity, job descriptions, performance reviews, etc.

• Employee conduct expectations regarding alcohol and illegal substances, attendance and punctuality, cell phone usage, code of conduct, confidential and proprietary information, discipline and termination, dress code, anti-harassment and workplace security.

• Compensation information regarding benefits, incentive pay/bonuses, deductions from wages, garnishments, expense reimbursements, holidays and paid time off, overtime, pay periods/pay days and regular work hours.

• Types of leave including bereavement, disability, civic duty, military and personal leaves of absence. If you are a larger employer with 50 plus employees, you will also need to cover FMLA leave requirements (Family Medical Leave Act).

• Information regarding separation of employment to include COBRA, final pay, references, resignations and retirement.

• Technology use policies that address use of computers, company email, software, wireless communications and social media.

As you can see, there are many topics to address in an employee handbook. In the world of HR, we often see business owners become overwhelmed with trying to create their own employee handbook. Sometimes, a quick solution seems to be “let’s go online and find a template”.

Although there is nothing wrong with not starting from scratch, you do need to be sure to personalize any template to your business. It needs to make sense legally and for your employees who have to live by it.

We also often hear the question, “Why do I need one anyway?” It can feel like an extra unnecessary step for a business owner who already has a full plate of responsibilities. However, it will make your life a lot less complicated in the long run.

Here’s why: • An employee handbook brings uniformity across your business. Expectations for everyone are described and the consequences for not adhering to those

expectations are outlined.

• It minimizes time spent by management or administration explaining policies to your employees. Instead, they are clearly documented for everyone to see and acknowledge.

• It is a guideline for your HR and management teams-an instructional manual for how to handle most situations that crop up in the workplace during daily operations.

• It clearly answers most of your employees’ questions regarding pay, benefits, performance expectations and workplace responsibilities.

• It helps ensure that your business is in compliance with local, state and federal laws.

• It can help you defend your business and your position in an employment based lawsuit.

Other things to remember in regards to an employee handbook is to make it as clear, simple and easy to understand as possible. Legal or technical jargon can be confusing to your employees. Be sure that your handbook is a reflection of your company and your unique culture. This is why it is so important to personalize any template you may use to help you with the handbook creation process.

Be sure to update your handbook regularly. It is NOT a document to sit on your shelf or in an electronic format being rarely accessed. It needs to be a living document constantly being revised and utilized in the daily operations of your business. If your handbook has a document date from the 1990s, please update and revise your handbook ASAP! It is a good idea to get employees to acknowledge your handbook at hire, annually and when major revisions have happened.

When updating your handbook, it is important to pay attention to local, state and federal laws being revised. A good example of this is the Sick and Safe Leave ordinance passed last year in San Antonio. Of course, the enforcement of this act is on hold due to legal action, but it is a perfect example of how business owners could quickly find themselves in legal trouble if their policies were not updated to meet the standard of the law. Remember ignorance of a law is not an acceptable defense if challenged by an employee legally.

If you are concerned about staying in the know for compliance, be sure to check out local and national organizations who focus on human resources best practices and legal compliance. A couple of good ones are the San Antonio Human Resources Management Association and the Society for Human Resources Management. You can also check out Business & Legal Reports’ (BLR) website for Human Resources at www.hr-blr.com .

The more you know, the more you can keep those handbooks up to date and protect yourself from legal action.

Rhonda Chadwick, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, is certified in Human Resources and is the Firm Administrator at Ridout Barrett & Co., P.C. She has over twenty years of experience in the HR field and joined Ridout Barrett in 2017. Visit www.ridoutbarrett.com or email rchadwick@ridoutbarrett.com .

The Case for Cyber Insurance Kevin McCarthy, Vice President Property & Casualty Insurance IBTX San Antonio/Dallas, TX

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f you turn on the news any given night, open the newspaper any given morning (I suppose scroll through your Facebook or Twitter feed is more appropriate these days), there is a good chance that you will see a story about a cyber incident. The cyber incidents that make the news are typically those incidents involving large, well-known, national corporations, where large amounts personal data have been compromised (Target, Experian, Sony, Home Depot, etc.). What you do not hear about as often is the frequency with which small to mid-size businesses are the targets of cyber attacks and the catastrophic effect it has on them.

Let’s examine some of the data associated with cyber incidents. Every 14 seconds, there is a cyber attack on a business. 43% of all cyber attacks target small to mid-size businesses. Of those small to mid-size businesses that experience a cyber breach, 60% close their doors permanently within 6 months. The average cost of a cyber incident is $500,000 and rising.

These are some terrifying statistics. Unfortunately, it is no longer a matter of if your business will be the victim of a cyber attack, but when. Your cyber security/IT firm is critical, but will not always prevent a breach. If Target and Equifax can be infiltrated, so can you. If your IT firm has a cyber policy for you, it will likely not provide complete protection and you will likely need to purchase your own.

Cyber insurance policies provide varying degrees of coverage at various price points. It is critical to understand what is covered by your policy and what is not. Let me start by stating that if you have some amount of cyber insurance included in your general liability policy, it is not adequate coverage to protect your business. I have yet to find built in cyber coverage on a general liability policy that provides a business with all the cyber protection they need. You need a stand alone cyber insurance policy to adequately protect your business. However, there is a great deal of variation in coverage amongst stand alone cyber policies.

On the surface, many policies appear to provide the same coverage and limits.

However, if you read the provisions of the policy closely, many times there is a what I call a “trap door” that will preclude coverage. These trap door provisions are typically called “failure to maintain” provisions. If the policyholder does not have XYZ in place at all times, there will be no coverage. This is problematic, especially for a small business that may not have the most advanced technology controls in place or relies on a third party to maintain these controls. As a policyholder, you are buying insurance to protect you when the systems in place fail or processes are not adequate. This is when you need the coverage most! The good news; policies exist that provide broad coverage and will provide the protection you want. You just need to know what to look for and work with an agent that understands the coverage.

Cyber incident response coverage

This is coverage to assess what happened and deal with the cyber breach.

Cyber incident response will provide coverage for legal fees, forensics, notification costs, credit monitoring, and public relations. The team will determine how the breach occurred and coordinate next steps to deal with the breach.

First party coverage

This coverage is to protect your business assets from a breach and includes coverage for; Cyber extortion, a bad actor has taken control of your entire computer system (which can be on a cloud server, offsite) and you cannot access any digital information. To access your information you must pay a ransom (typically in Bitcoin). This coverage will manage and mitigate the incident, and if neces-

sary, payment of the ransom demand.

When your data and systems are released back to you, they will almost certainly not be the same condition as before the breach. Data restoration coverage will provide coverage for the cost to recover and restore the insured’s electronic data and computer programs. Business interruption - In today’s digital economy, it is impossible for a business, regardless of industry, to operate at 100% capacity without access their computer systems.

This is typically what causes a business to shut down operations in the wake of a cyber incident (Google Colorado Timberline). They cannot generate revenue while their systems are down and they lose critical customers permanently when they cannot meet the needs of their customers as a result. Coverage is provided for loss of net income, ongoing expenses (including payroll,) and extra expenses incurred to reduce downtime/ loss of income.

Cyber crime coverage will protect you from the theft of your assets which are stolen digitally. Computer fraud coverage provides protection for theft of money or securities due to unauthorized access of insured’s system. Example; A criminal organization hacks the insured’s accounts payable computer system and changes the bank routing information on outgoing payments resulting in a $1.5M transfer to the criminal’s account. Funds transfer fraud provides coverage for funds that are transferred by an employee under false pretenses to a 3rd party who believes that there is legitimate request to pay funds. The employee was tricked. Crime coverage is typically sub limited to an amount less than the full policy limits and has a higher deductible.

This coverage can also be provided via a commercial crime policy.

Third party liability coverage, which includes; Cyber, privacy & network security liability coverage for failure to protect private or confidential information of others, and failure to prevent a cyber incident from affecting others’ systems. Example; A failure in Network Security on the insured’s computer system allows a hacker to use the insured’s computer system to send malicious code to other computer systems.

The owners of the newly infected computers sue the insured organization for failure to prevent the transmission of a virus. In this scenario, the policy holder will have coverage for defense costs and damages for covered lawsuits. Regulatory coverage, which provides coverage for defense for regulatory actions and any associated fines and penalties.

As a Risk Advisor, Kevin works with companies to assess and reduce their overall total cost of risk by providing holistic risk management solutions. He has an extensive background in a variety of areas within the insurance industry including finance, reinsurance, and underwriting experience in professional liability, surety, and property & casualty. This allows him to bring a perspective on risk management and insurance to his clients that is unique from many others in the industry.

Kevin McCarthy (469) 858-1841 mobil Kmccarthy@ib-tx.com

San Antonio Construction News • MAR 2020

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Harmonizing Dispute Resolution Provisions in Construction Contracts

March is Ladder Safety Month Joann Natarajan Compliance Assistance Specialist OSHA Austin, TX

Karly Houchin, Attorney Allensworth & Porter, LLP Austin, TX

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nconsistent dispute resolution provisions can cost general contractors thousands of dollars.

In large-scale, multi-party construction projects, it’s important to focus on the potential risk as much as the anticipated reward. No one ever wants a project to go awry, but there’s always a chance that a dispute will arise during a complex project.

The litigation process is inherently frustrating, and that frustration is only compounded by inconsistencies within construction contracts about the required method and forum for resolving disputes, which can result in litigating the same dispute in two separate settings.

Arbitration or State Court Litigation?

Typical dispute resolution provisions in prime contracts require disputes to be resolved in one of two forums: either in private, binding arbitration or litigation in state court. Usually these provisions require a trial or hearing to take place either (1) where the project is located, or (2) where the owner’s principal place of business is located. Arbitration is a private form of dispute resolution where a construction industry professional (or panel of them) presides over the hearing and makes final decisions about liability and damages. Arbitration is generally binding, less formal, and rarely appealed.

State court litigation takes the form of a lawsuit and is presided over by a judge.

There may or may not be a jury present, depending on what the contract requires—and parties are entitled to waive their right to a jury. If a contract is silent as to the forum for resolving disputes, parties are typically left with state court litigation as the default option.

In negotiation, the prime contract frequently receives the most attention.

But that same attention should be paid to negotiating subcontracts. Unfortunately, it is often the case that either (1) some subcontracts include one type of dispute forum while other subcontracts include the opposite, or (2) the subcontracts all include the same type of dispute resolution clause but differ from what the prime contract requires. This discrepancy forces the general contractor to fight the same battle on two fronts, which is a costly endeavor at a minimum, or at worst, can increase potential liability due to inconsistent trial or arbitration results.

Dueling Disputes

Being involved in a dispute—whether in state court or arbitration—is expensive. If an owner sues a general contractor (GC) for alleged construction defects and delays caused by one of the GC’s subcontractors, the subcontractors and suppliers whose labor or materials are implicated will likely be added to the lawsuit to defend themselves, and face potential responsibility for a damage resulting from their work. If that subcontractor’s contract has a dispute resolution provision that differs from the prime contract, the general contractor may be prevented from adding the subcontractor to the existing action. Instead, the GC, already fighting one lawsuit with the owner, could have to mount a separate campaign against its own sub. The GC would immediately begin incurring costs for a separate arbitration proceeding for virtually the same dispute it is fighting upstream with the owner.

The best-case scenario is if the general contractor can easily add the subcontractor to the lawsuit initiated by the owner. That way, the GC can pass down responsibility, and the judge, jury, or arbitrator can allocate damages directly to the subcontractor, if necessary. For example, if the subcontractor caused $100,000 worth of damage to the project,

and is in the same lawsuit with the owner and the GC, the subcontractor can be found directly liable for those damages, so the GC doesn’t have to pay those damages.

But, if a state court lawsuit between the owner and GC determined that the same subcontractor caused $100,000 worth of damages, and the subcontractor was not a party to that lawsuit, then the jury or judge will allocate that $100,000 to the GC, who hired the responsible subcontractor and is directly responsible to the owner. Then, the GC would have to file its own action to chase the subcontractor to recover the money judgment, essentially relitigating the case and possibly throwing good money after bad. The incurred fees can double, making an unhappy situation dramatically worse.

Another common but dangerous proposition for GCs appears when a replacement subcontractor must be hired.

Typically, the prime contract with the owner will force the GC to hire a replacement subcontractor within a short window of time. In that case, there is little time for contract negotiation—possibly involving only a purchase order or manuscript—or worse, dueling forms that are exchanged but never fully signed. Of course, proposals are often silent as to dispute resolution or they may be thoroughly inconsistent with the prime contract. Again, if a lawsuit later arises over the replacement contractor’s work, and all of the other subcontracts and the prime contract specify a forum like arbitration, the GC may have to initiate a separate lawsuit against the replacement contractor.

Quick Takeaways (1) Contracts with all subcontractors should include the same dispute resolution provision as your prime contract with the owner.

(2) Beware of replacement subcontractor “purchase orders” that are silent about dispute resolution.

(3) Know what the dispute resolution provision is for the prime design contract, and consider whether you want to be in the same forum with the design team.

(4) Require subcontractors to include dispute resolution flow-down provisions in their contracts.

Karly Houchin is an attorney at Allensworth & Porter, a Texas construction law firm. She works with engineers, architects, contractors, and owners on complex, multi-party disputes involving design and construction defects. You can reach Karly by e-mail at kah@aaplaw.com or by visiting www.aaplaw.com.

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orkers who use ladders in construction risk permanent injury or death from falls and electrocutions.

These hazards can be eliminated or substantially reduced by following good safety practices. This fact sheet examines some of the hazards workers may encounter while working on stepladders and explains what employers and workers can do to reduce injuries.

A stepladder is a portable, self-sup- and a foot, or two feet and a hand) when porting, A-frame ladder. It has two front climbing/ descending a ladder. side rails and two rear side rails. General- • Stay near the middle of the ladder and ly, there are steps mounted between the face the ladder while climbing up/down. front side rails and bracing between the • Use a barricade to keep traffic away from the ladder. rear side rails.

A competent person must visually • Keep ladders free of any slippery mateinspect stepladders for visible defects on rials. a periodic basis and after any occurrence • Only put ladders on a stable and level that could affect their safe use. Defects surface that is not slippery.

Safe Stepladder Use—DO NOT: include, but are not limited to: • Structural damage, split/bent side rails, • Use ladders for a purpose other than broken or missing rungs/steps/cleats and that for which they were designed. For example, do not use a folded stepladder missing or damaged safety devices.

• Grease, dirt or other contaminants that as a single ladder.

• Use a stepladder with spreaders uncould cause slips or falls.

• Paint or stickers (except warning or locked. safety labels) that could hide possible de- • Use the top step or cap as a step.

• Place a ladder on boxes, barrels or othfects.

Use a ladder that can sustain at least er unstable bases. four times the maximum intended load, • Move or shift a ladder with a person or except that each extra-heavy duty type equipment on the ladder.

1A metal or plastic ladder shall sustain at • Use cross bracing on the rear of stepleast 3.3 times the maximum intended ladders for climbing. load. Follow the manufacturer’s instruc- • Paint a ladder with opaque coatings. tions and labels on the ladder. To deter- • Use a damaged ladder. mine the correct ladder, consider your • Leave tools/materials/equipment on weight plus the weight of your load. Do stepladder. not exceed the load rating and always in- • Use a stepladder horizontally like a clude the weight of all tools, materials platform.

• Use a metal stepladder near power and equipment.

Read and follow all the manufacturer’s lines or electrical equipment.

Free ladder safety training is available instructions and labels on the ladder.

• Look for overhead power lines before at https://www.laddersafetytraining.org/ natarajan.joann@dol.gov handling or climbing a ladder.

512-374-0271 x232 • Maintain a 3-point contact (two hands

You did what?

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hen Ed Lette’s friends and colleagues discovered that Lette had ventured into the insurance realm after a lifelong banking career, their reaction was, “You did what?” It didn’t make sense. Or did it?

“What most people don’t understand is insurance and bonding are two different things. The insurance industry is in the bonding business; but it is not insurance in the sense of risks. When you insure something, you look at the odds of something happening and insure based on a potential loss. But on the bonding side, it’s like credit. You look at the financials, the character of the borrower or the company and the people. It’ like lending money,” says Lette.

Ed Lette is well known in the banking industry. As he grew up as a banker, he spent the first part of his career as the CFO type doing all the accounting for the bank.

As he was getting his degree as an accountant, he decided to see if he could get into the commercial lending side. He spent the better part of his banking career working on problem banks. And with problem banks he learned one of the problems of problem banks was the lending side.

During his 54-year career as a banker, he chartered four banks and turned multiple banks around to function back in the black.

Not ready to retire, Lette put his banking days behind him and spent the last year getting everything ready to enter into the insurance realm. He got his licenses and everything that was required. Now ready and equipped, Lette is the newest surety agent of Time Insurance Agency.

Ed Lette, CPA – Time Insurance Agency’s newest surety agent.

Time Insurance Agency with locations in Austin and San Antonio, has been serving Central Texas since the early 1960s with their insurance needs. “With only two locations, Time Insurance has the best of both worlds in the sense that it is a small enough agency to give that personal touch to its clients,” says Lette.

“Time’s President John Shuler’s father founded Time Insurance Agency.

“It’s back to the basics. Locally owned. Family-owned. You’re not working with the biggest insurance agency in the United States. You are working with people you can pick up the phone and talk to. Time is much larger on the commercial side and the bonding side.”

Time Insurance Agency is a surety and bonding company in San Antonio and Austin. -cmw

Page 8

Nancy Turner, Frank Turner, Jonathan Garcia,

Co-Owners Quality Power Distribution Adkins, TX

A

desire to provide exceptional workmanship and professional skills to an industry they love along with a shared interest in a specialized area of the electrical industry, brought Nancy and Frank Turner and Jonathan Garcia together. They wanted to bridge a gap between primary utility and electrical contractors.

Tell me a little bit about yourselves.

Frank: I’m a 1978 graduate of Highlands High School on the southeast side of San Antonio. I’ve been married to Nancy for 36 years. I went through the JATC apprenticeship program from ’88 to ’92. I worked in the electrical field all these years and learned the trade for a lifetime career. We decided to start Quality Power Distribution in March 2017.

Nancy: I graduated from East Central High School. I worked for a doctor for a long time before going to work for Holt Machinery. I was Holt’s first female sales rep. I sold forklifts there for about five years before going to Mustang to sell forklifts and then to Bill Peace & Sons and sold forklifts there.

We have three boys and it got to where I didn’t want to travel anymore; I needed to be closer to my boys. I went to work for Bill’s Tractor and stayed there for eight years. When I left there, I started volunteering at a child advocacy center. I was then hired as a family advocate for three years, and then became one of the forensic interviewers that interview children who have been sexually, emotionally and physically abused. My passion is to help children who have been hurt. A child deserves happiness.

Jonathan: I went to Holy Cross, Taft and graduated from what was then Challenge High School and graduated in 1996.

How did you two (Frank and Nancy) meet?

Frank: She chased me down.

Nancy: I did. It’s not a lie. I was living in La Vernia at the time. He was living in China

San Antonio Construction News • MAR 2020

Grove. I always saw him pull out of this street on the way to work. I guess we must have left at the same time every day. I would follow him almost every day.

We would get to this light; he would turn left; and I would go straight. One day (I think it was kind of a joke), the guys in the shop asked me to take this oil sample over to the oil lab across the street. It turns out, we both were working for Holt.

He was in the oil lab. I walked in with this oil sample and almost crapped because there he was. I thought, “Great, I’m the stalker. He is here and I’m standing here face to face.” What do you do? Following him in my car, I felt protected and not so stalkerish. We did go out the very next week. All went well because we met in February and married in December 1983.

My dad always told me to fight for what I wanted!

Jonathan, are you married? Do you have children?

Yes, I’m married. My wife’s name is Jenel. We’ve been married 22 years and we have three kids, two girls and a boy.

My oldest is 22 and is going to UTSA. She’s hoping to graduate in December.

My middle child is 19 and he works at Lowe’s. My little one is 13 and she is in the eighth grade at Stevenson Middle School.

Why did you choose the electrical trade?

Frank: When I graduated from high school, I worked for Holt Machinery for seven years.

Then I made a career change to get into the construction industry. I worked for a nonunion electrical contractor wiring houses.

When the housing crashed in the ‘80s, that company closed. I did some stuff for myself for a while and then Nancy told me I needed to get a real job.

To be honest with you, I had already been calling union contractors. Everyone replied I had to go to the hall. You have to be a union employee before you can go to work for a union contractor.

Well, I didn’t know what the hall was and asked if it was in their building. She laughed and told me where to go. I went over there and talked to them. I started working that next day on the River City Marriott in 1987.

Jonathan: After I graduated from high school, I had a number of jobs from the food industry to clothing industry, plumbing to electrical.

I had put in an application at the JATC and it took them two years to call me. In the meantime, I was doing communication construction. I was a splicer

Everyone starts somewhere.

L-R: Director of Operations Frank Turner, Managing Owner Nancy Turner and Director of Service Operations Jonathan Garcia.

for a Time Warner contractor at the time.

There was no room for growth so, I went to work with a friend’s husband for an open shop in Katy, TX. There I made .50 cents more an hour, plus peridium, plus some other benefits.

When I came back to San Antonio to work, I did some plumbing jobs. That’s when Toyota hit and that’s when they tried to get as many people on board as helpers for the Toyota project. JATC called me in ’04 and graduated in 2009. I have been doing electrical ever since.

What is it about electrical work, high voltage, that you like so much?

Frank: It’s just the niche that we were lucky enough to be involved in. That’s our experience in the electrical field. Not everybody gets the opportunity. Fortunately, Jonathan and I were in the high voltage aspect of construction. At Quality Power Distribution, we were a full-service electrical contractor. We don’t only do high voltage, but that is what we specialize in. We do all the low voltage work as well.

Because we have that extra experience on the high voltage side, we have an ability to assist contractors in this certain realm which has been beneficial to us. The reason I chose the electrical field is it was something that came pretty easy to me. You just find something that you gravitate to and hopefully, you excel at it.

I’ve always worked with my hands. I’ve always wanted to work outside. Construction is where I would have ended up. Electrical found me.

Jonathan: When I was little and you see the big trucks with the guy in the air, you think is it safe because he is touching those wires. We’re all taught those wires are dangerous. So as a little person you wonder why does that guy want to do that? When I started doing communications work, I had a bucket truck. I’d get up there, sometimes I’d climb the pole. To me it was it was fun, it was different, it was exciting. Not everybody does it. It’s electrical and not everybody does that. I didn’t want to be like everyone else.

When I learned that electricity can kill you, that’s when I made it a point to just

San Antonio

focus on doing electrical work and not having too much fun and spread myself around like before. I didn’t want to become one of the statistics. It’s like I tell the helpers, don’t miss opportunities to go out on calls. I think I missed only one call out when I was a helper because I thought if I wasn’t there, I would miss out on learning something to help me down the road.

With it being high voltage, you take it a little more serious than the electricity around the house. High voltage just interests me. As I did it more and more, I just became more proficient at what I did and here we are now.

Nancy, how much of the electrical business have you learned?

More than I ever thought I wanted to.

I was pretty much familiar with work orders, job orders, P.Os, contracts and stuff like that because I was doing state contracts while selling forklifts. The actual materials’ names and what they look like I’m not too good with. I really focus on making sure we are going to be profitable and safe.

What do you do for fun? What are your interests outside of electrical work?

Frank: I like to hunt and fish. You know outdoor stuff and watch football. We went to New Mexico on an antelope hunt and had a great time.

Jonathan: I like to fish and spending time with my family. I have 20-plus first cousins on my mom’s side.

Nancy: When I can sneak off, I will take my grandchildren someplace during the week when they’re out of school. I like to go see my boys who live in Nashville, Houston and Floresville. I love doing crafts and I’m always trying to figure out something to build with stuff around the shop. The guys in the shop don’t make eye contact because I like for them to help out. We have a garden and I also like to work in the yard.

We don’t get a lot of free time right now, but we have been trying to make time. Frank and I just like to get away.

We’re going to Big Bend for three days and I booked a cruise later this year, FYI Frank. -cmw

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San Antonio Construction News • MAR 2020

K

Fifty-five and growing

nown for its construction materials testing, Special inspection services, geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting and facilities services, Terracon Consultants Inc. was started in Iowa in 1965 by Gerald Olson. Celebrating 55 years in business, the firm has continually evolved, partly through organic growth, opening new offices in new markets, and partially through acquisitions of other firms. The San Antonio office was one such acquisition in 2004.

The company, originally named Soil Testing Services of Iowa Inc., changed its name to Terracon Consultants Inc. in 1980, at which time the company became a 100 percent employeeowned firm. “Being employeeowned, no one person can own more than five percent of the company stock. Currently, nobody owns more than 2 percent,” Terracon Consultants Inc.’s San Antonio team. says Terracon Vice President generation retires. “I’ll probably die at my Chuck Gregory.

Although the company continues to desk. I don’t know that I will ever retire. I like thrive with its more than 5,000 employee- who I work with. I like the company, I like owners, Terracon continues to maintain that where I come to work every day and the local feel. “We are a great combination of a work I do.

“There is a lot of mentoring going on. large company with corporate support, but There’s a lot of talk about leaving it better a lot of local control,” Gregory continues.

“Terracon has 22 offices in Texas. We than we found it. We don’t want to lose the are actually our own Division. That’s how personal touch. We talk about using social we are organized. There are more Terracon media to communicate, but we don’t want offices and employees in Texas than any to forget about calling people first and the other state. We have 120 people in our San importance of face to face interaction.

Antonio office, which makes us the fifth “Technology and innovation are a largest in the company.” big deal in Terracon. In 2019 we imple From 2012 through 2019, the company mented a new strategic plan and do so made 30 acquisitions. Only one acquisition every five years. The values that have has been made to-date in 2020, but the come from our strategic planning are: year has just begun. “We do work in all 50 caring, courage, curiosity, excellence, instates. We also do some work in Canada tegrity and prosperity. Everyone has a and Mexico, but we don’t have any offices favorite. Our purpose is exploring Bethere yet,” adds Gregory. yond the surface while our visions, which In 2011, Terracon changed their phi- are aspirational, include working togethlosophy on how they think about safety by er to be best at people, lead innovation adopting a mindset of being Incident and and be dominant in our markets. Talk the Injury Free™. “It is a culture shift on how we talk, walk the walk.,” Gregory adds.

As a nationwide company, each office think about what we do every day and how we are dedicated to people going home will celebrate the 55th milestone in their safely every day,” Gregory says. own way. Terracon SA will incorporate their

In addition to celebrating 55 years in 55-year milestone into their annual cusbusiness, Terracon also celebrates their tomer appreciation party in October. “Each new CEO. For the first time in the history individual office has their own celebration. of Terracon, they have a female leader at We’re all part of the same company, but the top, namely Gayle Packer. Packer each office is unique. That diversity and came to work for Terracon as an attorney uniqueness are true strengths of Terracon. in the company’s contracts department. We’re allowed to do our own thing as long She has been with the company for 12 as we stay within the rules of Terracon, plus years and took the role of CEO at the which is great!” adds Sr Marketing Specialbeginning of 2019. ist Brittany Chambers.

As the company prepares for the next Terracon Consultants Inc. is a full-service 55 years, they talk about getting the next environmental, facilities, geotechnical and generation ready to take over as the older materials testing engineering firm. -cmw

Alliance for safety

Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) South Texas Chapter and the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) entered into an alliance to provide ABC members and others with information, guidance, and access to training resources that will help them protect the health and safety of workers, particularly in the areas of the fatal four: falls, electrical, struck by and caught in between hazards.

The signing of the alliance took place on Feb. 6 at the ABC South Texas Chapter offices. Front Row L-R: OSHA Area Director Alex Porter, ABC President Steven Schultz and Compliance Assistance Spec. Victor Ramon. Back Row L-R: Wally Esquivel, Central Electric Contractors; Gabrielle Ochoa, Harvey-Cleary; Chapter Chairman Chris Martinez, Central Electric and Don Drake, Moore Erection LP. -cmw

Page 9

Page 10

San Antonio Construction News • MAR 2020

Steel as it can be

When you first meet someone, what is the first thing you notice?

I guess it would have to be whether or not we have anything in common?

Steve Jett, Ridout Barrett When I meet someone for the first time, the first thing I notice is their smile.

Gabriel Ochoa, Harvey Cleary The first thing I notice is their eyes.

Don Drake, Moore Erection LP Are they bigger than me? Are they smaller than me?

Wally Esquivel, Central Electric Contractors

The Vulcraft Texas sales team L-R: Sam Box, Steve Burke, Amy Castillo and Jodi Day.

V

ulcraft was founded in 1946 in Florence, SC as an individual steel fabrication facility. By 1954, the company began manufacturing long and short span joists. A few years later, the company was purchased by Nucor Corporation.

Not long after purchasing Vulcraft, Nucor introduced a new technology to the steel making business. This method did away with coal fire furnaces. The new method called for the use of electricity to melt steel. The use of this new technology grew the business substantially.

“The Vulcraft plants were the original divisions of Nucor Steel company and are still around today. The group under the Nucor umbrella is the Vulcraft Verco Group. We use Vulcraft because that is what everybody is used to hearing.

“When I started with the company in ’91, we had 14-15 divisions and about 5,000 employees. Now we have over 70 divisions with 27,000-28,000 employees.

Plus we have some global interests in different countries now that we didn’t have back in the day,” says Vulcraft Texas Dis-

trict Sales Manager Sam Box.

Vulcraft Texas covers the entire state of Texas and the four surrounding states of New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana. Seventy percent of all the steel Vulcraft supplies are supplied within the state of Texas because it is the hot construction market.

The sales office supporting Vulcraft Texas, located in San Antonio, covers the entire south Texas region, north of Georgetown, east half to Houston and all of west Texas to include the Panhandle area, Midland, Odessa to El Paso and New Mexico. “Geographically, just in terms of square mileage, this office has the largest geographic area of any Vulcraft office in the nation,” Box says.

Being a division of Nucor Steel, one of the things Vulcraft Texas is most proud of is their safety record. “The Vulcraft Texas Division is the only steel division, not just for Nucor but for the entire US to receive the President’s Safety Award every year it’s been available.

Vulcraft is a manufacturer and supplier of steel joists. -cmw

I look at the way they carry themselves.

Are they confident or are the timid? Are the upbeat, positive?

Hector Batres, Action Gypsum Supply When I first meet them, I notice the kindness in their face.

Laura Martinez, BizDoc I think I notice their eyes the most. There is something about the sparkle in their eye. If they have a sparkle or a dullness in their eye, it’s like a window to their soul.

Stephanie Garcia, Rogers-O’Brien Construction It depends. If it is a woman, I notice their eyes and teeth. I don’t really look at dudes, but if I’m on the jobsite, I look at whether they are working or not.

Tyler Temperton, Metropolitan Contracting I notice their smile.

Ruby Trejo, Bartlett Cocke General Contractors The first thing I notice when I meet someone new is their face, particularly their EYES. I love to look into someone’s

eyes. You can see kindness in someone’s eyes or malice; you can perceive honesty and innocence. I also notice how they carry themselves.

Tammy Worley, Traugott Inc. Painting and Decorating The handshake. A handshake says a lot about a person.

Matt Molleur, FL Crane & Sons I would have to say how they communicate non-verbally i.e. eye contact, gestures, body language, etc.

Brittany Chambers, Terracon Consultants Inc. The first thing I notice is the use of eye contact. I was taught to look someone in the when greeting them. It helps to communicate clearly and grab their attention.

Nick De La Rosa, D2HYDRO-WASH LLC Their shoes.

Justin Beard, TDIndustries

The first thing I notice is their sincerity, which ultimately leads to the integrity part of the person.

Jim Robertson, Americrane Rentals Whether or not they make eye contact or not. It shows their confidence. You can tell a lot about a person through their eyes.

Cody Quent, Beyer Mechanical Their smile is what I notice first.

Dema Hanson, Baker Triangle I notice their demeanor first.

Dora Rodriguez, Quality Fence & Welding continued on Page 18

San Antonio Construction News • MAR 2020

Page 11

schedule your next bay fishing trip or hunting trip give Capt. Steve Schultz a call at 361-813-3716 or e-mail him at SteveSchultzOutdoors@gmail.com. Follow me of Facebook and Instagram.

Good Luck and Good Fishing.

Spring fishing on the coast

by Capt. Steve Schultz Sponsored by: Waypoint Marine, Shoalwater Boats, Evinrude Outboards, Fishing Tackle Unlimited, Shimano Reels, E-Z Bel Construction, Costa Sunglasses, Simms Fishing, ForEverlast Fishing Products, PowerPro, Interstate Batteries, MirrOlure, JL Marines Power-Pole, AFW and AFTCO Clothing.

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ow!!! Seems like yesterday was New Years Day and I had just turned the page into the 2020 year. Life is short people, and time will pass you by in the blink of an eye. The older I get, this seems to be on my mind more and more often. Being on the water gives you lots of time to think, pray and just wonder where you’ve been and where you’re going to be in the future.

While writing this column, weather conditions are far from being spring like.

However, by the time it’s in your hands maybe you will get to imagine the picture I’m trying to portray. This is one of my most favorite times of the year to fish; cool mornings with the wind in your face as we make a run to the rock structures in Baffin Bay or perhaps a longer stretch into the Land Cut and 9-Mile Hole. These areas are rich with baitfish and attract some of the largest concentrations of speckled trout and redfish. These fish are cold-blooded animals like reptiles. They get their warmth by changing water temperatures as a reptile does from the rays of the sun. As the morning progresses,

Have an outdoor activity photo or story to tell?

Individual, Family or Company Group Outings, a Hobby or Talent?

Send to us for the Great Outdoors so everyone can see! mEditor@ConstructionNews.net

Several species of fish are common occurrences on spring fishing trips as displayed on the trip with George Cantu and friends. Book your trips now with Steve Schultz Outdoors.

we may change the depth of water we are fishing to adjust for the rising water temps. Keeping an open mind and being aware of changing conditions will make for a more successful day.

During this time of the year, shrimp are migrating through the bay, so there is no question on what bait works the best.

Live shrimp rigged under a popping cork is a deadly combination. If live bait is not your preference, you can achieve the same presentation by using a soft plastic on a jig head under the same cork. One of my go-to baits in this case would be a gulp 3-inch shrimp or a DOA shrimp of the same size. In actuality, it’s the sound that the cork makes that attracts the fish.

As for corks, I found that the floats made

by Four Horsemen Tackle are the most durable and have the right sounds to attract both reds and trout.

Some of the areas I like to target this time of the year are in the Baffin Bay complex. Drifting over deep rocks and sand pockets where baits are active is a sure sign that predator fish are in the area. If a drift produces a decent number of bites, don’t hesitate making the same drift several times. If small fish are present, move over either direction to see if bigger fish

may be present.

Another favorite area is the west edge or bank of the Land Cut. There are literally miles of shoreline that hold several species of fish traveling from Mansfield to Baffin this time of the year. This is no big secret in the fishing community and for that reason it is most popular this time of the year.

My 2020 fishing calendar is open and I am steadily booking trips for the new season, so don’t hesitate in calling. To

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San Antonio Construction News • MAR 2020

Ken Milam’s Fishing Line Since 1981, Ken Milam has been guiding fishing trips for striped bass on Lake Buchanan in the Texas Hill Country, You can hear Ken on the radio as follows: The Great Outdoors: 5-8 am Saturday on 1300, The Zone, Austin and The Great Outdoors: 5-7 am Saturday on 1200 WOAI San Antonio The Sunday Sportsman: 6-8 am Sunday on 1300, The Zone, Austin All on iHeart Radio

Spring Break is just around the corner!

Stuart Sheet Metal of Austin

I

n a way, I think all of nature has a Spring Break. Most natural things seem to pause during the stress of winter.

Once winter starts to wear thin, everything makes a break for it. Plants break through the cold soil reaching for the sun’s warmth, animals prepare for new babies, fish spawn, migrating birds return, and I think we have a strong urge to break out of the cold, dark winter pattern too. We too are ready to break out and take hold of the new year. We are ready to get out and about!

As I write this, just a few days before you will see it, it’s a WINTER day in Texas.

I know, technically they are all “winter” days about now, but two days ago we

had a day of spring followed by two days of summer… and that’s how it goes in Texas.

All things considered though, the calendar says the time for our winter weather hissy fits is running out. The bluebonnets are starting to bloom and we are seeing a little rain refreshing the lakes and rivers and the fish are feeling it too!

Here on Lake Buchanan we are seeing good, healthy catches of white bass coming in. This is when the white bass make their run upstream to spawn. Our water levels are good and there are lots of shad to chase, so white bass are at their peak right now. This always happens

about Spring Break time which works out great if you want to take kids fishing.

Nothing provides a lot of action and fun like a school of white bass, and kids love to catch them. They are quick to bite, fun to fight, but not scary big. White bass are a gateway fish to get kids into fishing.

So far, stripers and hybrids are still a little harder to come by consistently. We are picking up a few along with just about any other kind of fish with an appetite, but their best time is still a few weeks out.

The blue catfish have been picking up steadily the last several weeks. This last weekend one of our local fishermen caught a 63-pounder and a 41-pounder up the lake. Trot-lines and jug lines seem

to be the most productive, but rod and reel fishing is working well too. Can you imagine catching one of those big cats on a rod and reel?!? However you like to fish, a good catfish day can net you a nice fish fry.

Here at Ken Milam Guide Service, we are ready to break into the 2020 fishing season. The lake is calling and we have a few new tricks up our sleeve to show the fish! If you would like to come spend part of your Spring Break with us chasing fish, just give us a call! We still have lakeside cabins and fishing trips available! Our number is 325-379-2051 Tight Lines!

San Antonio Construction News • MAR 2020

Page 13

TPWD Seeking Public Input on Saltwater Fishing Regulation Proposals for 2020-2021

T

he Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is now accepting public comment on proposed changes to saltwater fishing regulations for 2020-2021. These changes are focused on the recreational and commercial flounder fishery and paddle craft licenses.

TPWD will be taking public comment on the following proposed changes to the 2020-2021 Statewide Recreational Fishing Proclamation, with input to be considered before any action by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission at its March 26 public hearing: •

•

•

Increasing the minimum size limit for flounder to 15” Closing all flounder fishing from Nov.1 to Dec 15.

Changing the course require ments to include a paddle craft leading course from the Ameri- can Canoe Association or another TPWD approved course.

The public is encouraged to provide comment on the proposed regulation changes. Opportunities to provide comments for or against these proposals include: Facebook Live Webinar: TPWD Coastal Fisheries staff will present proposed fishing regulation changes and answer questions in a Facebook Live webinar at noon on Friday, Feb. 28 on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Facebook page.

Public hearings: TPWD Coastal Fisheries staff will be hosting several public hearings on

the coast to receive input from stakeholders and constituents concerning the proposed regulation changes.

• Tuesday, March 3 at 6:30pm at the USDA Bauer Building, 186 Henry Barber Way, Port Lavaca, TX 77979 • Tuesday, March 3 at 6:30pm at Bow- ers Civic Center, 3401 Cultural Center, Dr, Port Arthur, TX 77642 • Wednesday, March 4 at 6:30pm at TAMU CC NRC Room 1003, 6300 Ocean Dr., Corpus Christi, TX 78412 • Wednesday, March 4 at 6:30pm at College of the Mainland, Teacher’s Auditorium, Learning Resources Bldg (Bldg L131), 1200 Amburn Road, Texas City, Texas 77591 • Thursday, March 5 at 6:30pm at Aransas County Navigation Dis- trict, 911 Navigation Cir, Rockport, TX 78382 Online: Once the proposed regulations are published in the Texas Register, comments on each component of the changes can be provided on the TPWD public comment page until March 25.

Phone or Email: The Coastal Fisheries Division at 512-389-2011 or cfish@tpwd.texas.gov In person:

The TPW Commission will take public comment on the proposed changes at their meeting on Thursday, March 26 in Austin. Public testimony is normally limited to three minutes per person.

With permission from TP&W February 21, 2020

Just like dad

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lint Williams with A-1 Fire & Safety enjoys a good hunt. He loves that his kids share his passion for hunting at their ranch in Uvalde and shared these photos. At the end of the 2019-2020 season, the Williams kids showed dad they can hold their own. -cmw

Colton Williams shot this nice seven-point buck.

Lighthouse on the lake?

Klaire Williams harvested her fourth dee in the short time she has been hunting with her dad.

Bluebonnets in April with lighthouse in background

The Lake Buchanan Lighthouse is a privately owned lighthouse that is near Buchanan Dam. It can be seen as you drive along at the south end of Lake Buchanan on Hwy 29. It is 110-ft tall with a large square observation area and has a rotating red light.

It is painted as a red and white checkerboard.

Photo from TP&W Magazine

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-Z Bel Construction LLC is currently working on the W. Military Dr. and Ingram Rd. connector project. This project is one of the 180 projects within the San Antonio 2017-2022 Bond Program and is part of a larger private development plan. At completion, the project will include new roadway, curbs, sidewalks, bike facilities, traffic signalization, lighting, drainage improvements and utilities that will serve motorists, cyclists and pedestrians in the Potranco and 151 area of San Antonio’s west side.

Bryan Donnell, E-Z Bel Construction project manager, said the progress and being on schedule is due to the efforts of Project Superintendent Frank Mendoza and the many crews that have been working on the job. “I can’t recognize our folks enough. It’s not just our staff, but also the partnership with TCI and SAWS. Inspectors, project managers, engineers, developers, etc. It takes a great amount of effort and attention from everyone to make a project like this successful.”

The jobsite recently hosted about a hundred students from the ACE Mentor

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an Pedro Creek is where the Spanish first settled in our community and where the Payaya people lived for thousands of years prior to the Spanish settlements. Over the course of the last 300 years, many groups lived, worked and worshipped along San Pedro Creek.

This historic creek became the location where the convergence of civilizations in our community took root and evolved.

The San Pedro Creek Culture Park invites the people of San Antonio to reconnect with a place of great historical and cultural significance.

J&R Tile Inc., a National Tile Contractor Association (NTCA) certified contractor, had the distinct honor to be a major part of restoration of the San Pedro Creek Culture Park. Ardex Americas Tile & Stone played an important part as the adhesive manufacturer of the exterior restoration of this historic area which included the preservation of 1,800 linear ft. of the historic wall with 11 interpretive signs and 16 benches.

As a NTCA certified contractor, as required by architect Munoz Co. Architects, we experienced many challenges during the process. One such challenge involved the contractor working in an exterior environment, in one of the busiest downtown areas in the country. For a custom exterior art installation project of over 8,000 sf of

Aqua located between Travis and Houston Sts. Alex Rubio, artist

Early morning concrete roadway pour.

Large excavator that students were able to operate as part of the ACE Mentor program.

program, allowing them a day to learn about and operate heavy machinery.

The City’s Bond Program dashboard is advertising construction to be complete in September of 2020.

E-Z Bel Construction LLC is a full-service civil and commercial construction contractor. -cmw

New sewer main installation.

Box culvert installation for new storm drainage system.

W. Military Dr. & Ingram Rd. connectors E-Z Bel Construction LLC San Antonio, TX

San Pedro Creek Culture Park project for 12 benches. This took a substantial amount of coordination and sketch up. The stakeholders loved it. Traditionally, cement tile trim only comes in 4 x 8-in. solid bullnose, so finding a solution that all parties deemed appropriate and matching to the “skate stoppers” also involved on benches was a treat.

Leadership of Advanced Certified and Certified Tile Installers Triniti Vigil and Adam Arellano led the team to the success of this project for J&R Tile.

J&R Tile Inc. is a certified tile installer in San Antonio. -cmw

De Todos Caminos Somos Todos Uno (From All Roads, We Are All One) mural, located between Santa Rosa Ave. and Martin St. Adriana M. Garcia, artist

tile, all custom- made by means of porcelain inkjet and hydraulic cement tile, this project truly showcased J&R Tiles’ crew of certified, skilled labor and expertise.

Foremen used a skid steer to move materials up and down four city blocks of downtown San Antonio for this project.

Many of the J&R Tile staff lost over two belt sizes from all of the cardio!

Technical challenges included weather, deadlines for the city’s 300th anniversary (the Grand Opening), and artists interpretations of mockups. The Tile Council of North America (TCNA) requirements for coverage of 95 percent, and flatness considerations on radius walls that bowed with moisture were critical as well. Major mud work with hawk and trowel method was used to plaster to the TCNA appropriate flatness tolerance with rapid setting AM100 pre-tile repair mortar for the entire project working off of scaffolds. Over a tractor trailer truckload of this product was used, up and down four city blocks for this world class linear park. This was specific to requirements on height elevations on artistic dimen-

sions of paintings turned into tile. The flatness tolerance of the substrate and coverage was extremely critical. Ardex X32, a rapid setting thin to medium bed mortar formulated with proprietary selfdrying formulation to prevent warping when temperatures dropped below 50 degrees, was used to meet technical standards and keep the project moving.

This was tested in house with a sample from the local Ardex Technical Representative, Frank Galvan, also a certified tile installer to ensure a quality installation.

Custom porcelain tile was constructed as part of this application. Movement joints used as to not interrupt the custom artwork were made months before in pre-construction prior to concrete being poured, consulting with the architects.

Saw cutting the custom made tile was simply not an option!

Cement tile on custom benches, with patterns to full decorative 8 x 8 in. on a finished edge, was created with Dural USA in a SS trim for the thickness of 5/8-in. tile plus 1/4 in. of adhesive. This one-of-a kind profile was custom made, just for this

Bellos Recuerdos del Teatro Alameda y Tiempos Pasados (Beautiful Memories of the Alameda Theater and Times Passed) located between Travis and Houston Sts. Joe Lopez, artist

Plaza de Fundación located in various locations throughout San Pedro Creek Culture Park. Michael Menchaca, artist

San Pedro Creek Culture Park J&R Tile Inc. San Antonio, TX

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QuikTrip convenience store #4029 Absolute Power Electrical Contractors will soon break ground on their 3rd and 4th QuikTrip locations, North New Braunfels and near Boerne. KUDOS to APEC Staff!

Absolute Power Electric Contractors is a full-service electrical contractor. -cmw

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QuikTrip convenience store #4029, Spring Branch, TX – Hwy 281 & River Crossing.

ounded by George and Adrianne Salinas, Absolute Power Electrical Contractors (APEC) is celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2020. The company has recently expanded their residential electrical service capabilities while also growing their commercial business in the greater San Antonio area.

In 2019, Absolute Power added Tulsa, Oklahoma-based QuikTrip convenience stores to the company’s expanding commercial portfolio. The first awarded contract to install electrical systems was Store #4029, a 4,840 sf store located at Highway 281 and River Crossing. A complete electrical system installation was done. This included interior and exterior lighting, all gas canopy lighting, installation of all underground conduits for power and communication to the gas dispensers, as well as power to all equip-

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n January 2019, G.W. Mitchell Construction (GWM) began the construction and renovation of the current Cavender Land Rover dealership by UTSA on IH-10. Upon completion of the renovation of this dealership, a new automobile manufacturer’s lineup will be available for purchase and service at this location; the name of which is being undisclosed at this time.

Construction for this project was divided into two phases.

Phase one includes the construction of a 400-car five-story pre-cast concrete parking garage housing a 39,000-sf air conditioned service shop, an 11,000-sf parts department, and sales support areas including a mechanized 360-degree turntable photo booth. The finishes of this phase include polished porcelain tile from Spain, a cushioning rubber service technician’s floor, and Alucobond and corrugated aluminum metal wall panels.

Also being installed in the stairwell of the parking garage with Red/Green/Blue LED lights that can be used to accentuate the property using an array of colors for holi-

ment and general receptacles throughout the inside of the store. This location opened last December in Spring Branch.

At the end of 2019, APEC broke ground on the new QuikTrip/Travel Center Mega Store #4049 on Foster Rd., only the second location of its kind in San Antonio. This property has approximately 160 underground conduits going to the fuel dispensers and tank farm areas alone. “Projects involve a large amount of electrical and are extremely fast paced, requiring highly skilled electricians,” says George Salinas, President of Absolute Power.

Salinas is thrilled to be a part of QuikTrip’s rapid expansion throughout the San Antonio area and has been impressed by their operation. “QuikTrip knows exactly what they want and RFI’s are answered in a timely manner.”

Distribution panel

Main distribution panel and junction box

QuikTrip convenience store #4029 Absolute Power Electric Contractors San Antonio, TX

Cavender Renovation Project

400-car five-story pre-cast concrete parking garage under construction.

day and other events.

The second phase of the project will entail completely demolishing the existing showroom and sales building, which

will be replaced by a new sales and showroom building showcasing high-end finishes such as polished floor tile from Spain, Alucobond exterior finishes, high-

end LED interior and exterior lighting, and electric vehicle chargers for customer and dealership use. The exterior finishes will include concrete paving with herringbone paver features, cast-in-place concrete planter boxes, and energy efficient LED site lighting.

Currently, Phase one of the project is in the framing/finishes stage, with concrete paving and striping in the near future, and an anticipated completion date of June 2020. Phase 2 is set to begin in August 2020, being completed in 2021. Thanks to the commitment of the Cavender Auto Group, the ongoing good work by the architect, Castles Design Group, and GWM’s teams of subcontractors, this is the seventh Cavender dealership in which GWM has had the privilege of being involved.

G.W. Mitchell Construction is a full-service general contractors in San Antonio.

-cmw

Cavender Renovation Project G.W. Mitchell Construction San Antonio, TX

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San Antonio Construction News • MAR 2020

Page 17

Resource Guide

Associations and Construction Education General Contractors Associations and Construction Education

Service Providers

Subcontractors

Suppliers Truck & Equip Dealers

Service Providers

Subcontractors

Truck & Equip Dealers

Suppliers

General Contractors

For Info on Resource Guide: Dana@ConstructionNews.net Buddy@ConstructionNews.net

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ABC Hold ‘Em

t was a sold out event for the Associated Builders & Contractors’ (ABC) Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament. This year’s event had 100 individuals participating for a chance to the evening’s big winner.

“On Monday, we had to buy another table. We have about 30 more people this year than we had last year. It’s an incredible event,” says Steven Schultz, ABC chapter president.

The event was held on Feb. 5 at the Greater San Antonio Builders’ Association ballroom. -cmw

ABC Texas Hold ‘Em winner, Rene Garza, TDIndustries.

ABC Texas Hold ‘Em tournament final table.

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San Antonio Construction News • MAR 2020

Association Calendar

Content Contentsubmitted submittedby byAssociations Associationsto toConstruction ConstructionNews News ABC

Associated Builders & Contractors Inc.

Mar. 5: Chili Cook-off, Rolling Oaks Mall Parking Lot (in front of Sears), 6909 Loop 1604.

Mar. 18: Texas Construction Careers Initiative, Freeman Coliseum, 3201 E Houston St. Mar. 23-27: ABC National Convention, Music City Center, 201 Fifth Ave. S, Nashville, TN. Mar. 26: Happy Hour, Location TBD, 4:306:30pm. For info, contact Alissa Miller at alissa@abcsouthtexas.org or 210-342-1994 AGC

Associated General Contractors

Mar. 5: Quarterly Veterans Meet n’ Greet, AGC Offices, 10806 Gulfdale, 4-5pm.

Mar. 9-12: 2020 AGC of America Convention, Las Vegas Mar. 19: CLC Membership Mixer, Lucy Cooper’s, 16080 San Pedro Ave., 4:306:30pm.

Mar. 30: Annual Golf Tournament, The Club at Sonterra, 901 E. Sonterra Blvd. For more info, call Kelly Wilson at 210-349-4921 AIA

American Institute of Architects

Mar. 3: WiA Exhibit Opening Mar. 5-6: All Day Spring Conference, AIA San Antonio, 1344 S. Flores St. Mar. 17: COTE: Living Futures Institute Series Ethical Bus. Practices, AIA San Antonio, 1344 S. Flores St., 6-7:30pm.

Mar. 19: Coffee with CRAN, Capital Hardwoods & Millwork, 15421 Capital Port, 9-10am.

Mar. 23: Chapter Meeting, Plaza de Armas, 115 Plaza de Armas, 11:30am-1pm.

Mar. 24: Women In Architecture Strenghtfinders Event, Location TBD, 5:30-7:30pm.

Mar. 25: Healthcare Knowledge Group Stryker Presentation, AIA San Antonio, 1344 S. Flores St. Mar. 28: COTE & ASLA Bike Tour, San Antoni Botanical Gardens, 555 Funston Pl., 9am-1pm.

Mar. 31: SAYA: ARE Trivia Night, , AIA San Antonio, 1344 S. Flores St., 6-8pm. For more info, contact Belinda Sanchez at 210-349-4921 or email belinda@aiasa.org ASA American Subcontractors Assn.

Mar. 4-7: SubExcel 2020. Caesars Palace, 3570 Las Vegas Blvd. S, Las Vegas, NV Mar. 17: Lunch & Learn, The Petroleum Club, 8620 N. New Braunfels, 11:30am.

Mar. 25: ASA Golf Tournament, TPC Canyons Course, 23808 Resort Pkwy, 7:45am.

Mar. 31: ASA Women’s Leadership Seminar 2020 Meeting & Mixer, The Petroleum Club, 8620 N. New Braunfels, Registration 12:30, Meeting 1-4pm, Mixer 4-5:30pm.

For more info, call Jennifer Swinney at 210-349-2105 HCA de SA

Hispanic Contractors Assn. de San Antonio

Mar. 18: Monthly Meeting, Quarry Golf Club, 444 E. Basse Rd., 5:30pm. For more info, call Victoria Rodriguez at 210-4441111 or email vrodriguez@hcadesa.org

IEC

Independent Electrical Contractors

Mar. 20-21: 20th Annual IEC San Antonio BBQ Cook-off, Helotes Fair Grounds, 12210 Leslie Rd. Mar. 18: TCCI Career Day, Freeman Coliseum, 3201 E. Houston St. For more info, contact Julie Tucker at 210-431-9861 or email jtucker@iecsanantonio.org I-LinCP

Institute for Leadership in Capital Projects

Apr. 1-3: 2020 LinCP Forum, Embassy Suites Landmark, 5615 Landmark Pkwy, San Antonio, TX. For more info, contact Carla Bingaman at 512-263-5521 or email Carla.bingaman@i-lincp.org MCA-SMACNA of San Antonio Mechanical and Sheet Metal Contractors Assn.

Mar. 11: Regular & Associates Meeting, The Petroleum Club, 8620 N. New Braunfels, 7th Flr., 11:30am.

Mar. 18: Labor/Management Meeting, MCA-SMACNA office, 12500 Network Blvd., #410, 11:30am.

Mar. 19: 27th Annual Golf Tournament, SilverHorn Golf Club,1100 W. Bitters Rd., Registration 11:30am, Shotgun Start 1:30pm.

Mar. 25: Joint Industry Fund Meeting, MCA-SMACNA office, 12500 Network Blvd., #410, 11:30am. For more info, call Sandee Morgan at 210-822-3763 NARI

National Assn. of the Remodeling Industry

Mar. 18: Mixer & Happy Hour, Expressions Home Gallery, 9901 Broadway #104, 5-7pm. For more info, email Angela Parks at angelas@southwestexteriors.com NAWIC

National Assn. of Women in Construction

Feb. 29 – Mar. 7: WIC Week Feb. 29: Electrical Build a Mini-Lamp benefiting Lone Star Construction Trades Training. Alterman Training Room, 14703 Jones Maltsberger, 1-4pm. Tickets available at www.nawicsatc.org Mar. 1: Golf Tourney Goodie Bag Stuffing, Connally Law, 922 Isom Rd. #105, 3-4:30pm.

Mar. 2: Self Defense Safety Class, Q Safety, 9504 IH-35N, 5:30-7pm.

Mar. 3: Caterpillar Seguin Facility Tour, 1720 W. Kingsbury St., Seguin, TX, 9-11:30am. Lunch following.

Mar. 4: Warren High School Lunch Presentation, Earl Warren High School, 9411 Military Dr. W Mar. 5: Design Your Personal Coaster, Alterman Inc. Training Room, 14703 Jones Maltsberger, 5:30-7pm.

Mar. 6: NAWIC Annual Golf Tournament, Canyon Springs Golf Club, 22405 Wilderness Oak, 1pm.

Mar. 7: Wine Down & Design Your Hard Hat, Stacey Quesenberry’s Home, 14522 Majestic Prince, 12-2pm. For more info, contact Eloina Benavides at 210-2678800 or email tonecustomsigns@gmail. com PHCC Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors

Mar. 5: “Protest the Health of the Nation” Sporting Clay Tournament, National Shooting Complex, 5931 Roft Rd., 10:am-6pm.

Mar. 27: Registration Deadline for Apr. 2 Mixer/Par 3, San Pedro Golf. For more info, call Heidi Trimble at 210-824-7422 or go to www.phcc-sanantonio.org SAMCA

San Antonio Masonry Contractors Assn.

Mar. 19: UTSA Day Mar. 26: 2020 SAMCA Annual Golf Classic, The Republic Golf Club, 4226 SE Military Dr., 12pm Lunch, 1pm Shotgun Start, $125 Golfer, $25 Non-Golfer. For more info, contact Debi Solis at 210-347-2423 TACCA

Texas Air Conditioning Contractors Assn.

Greater San Antonio

Mar. 19: Sporting Clay Shoot, National Shooting Complex, 5931 Roft Rd. For more info, call Dawn Thompson at 210901-4222

continued from Page 1 — South Texas Drywall

Traugott Jr. has seen a lot in the company’s 25-year history. “Technology has changed things significantly. When used correctly, digital technology is beneficial and has changed the world of estimating”.

South Texas is a little different than other parts of the country according to Traugott Jr. As an example, painters here might tape and float. In other parts of the country, especially up north, the drywallers do the taping and floating. “The beauty of Traugott Inc. and South Texas Drywall is that we have the knowledge and experience to complete an entire project.”

South Texas Drywall performs framing, insulation, drywall, acoustical ceilings, acoustical wall panels and other specialties. They can also do doors, hardware and toilet partitions and accessories.

“We turn 25 this summer. We are in a spot right now where some of our longtime employees might be looking to retire in upcoming years, putting us in a pivotal point in our journey. It can create new opportunities for growth and learning.”

“Labor has also changed; the manpower is not the same. The industry used

to have young people coming to train, but we see fewer young people entering construction. Fortunately, we’ve had a few come through our doors, to include Ellis Ridout, our project manager.” Ellis has jumped right in and not only learned the industry but has already made improvements to systems and processes, proving himself a valuable member of the team.

South Texas Drywall is more than just a drywall company; it is a culture built around family and teamwork. “The industry has had its ups and downs over the years. We are still here because we are family and a team. It’s not about one person, it’s about everyone watching out for each other.”

Another hallmark and driving force of South Texas Drywall is their attention to delivering a quality product and service, Traugott Jr. emphasizes, “Between being driven by quality and having a team oriented approach, it’s why we have been here for 25 years and why we’ll be here for 25 more.”

South Texas Drywall is a drywall subcontractor in San Antonio. -cmw

continued from Page 1 — Dausin Electric Inc. the business. “We never pushed for it, but there he was. He just kind of hung out with me on jobsites. It’s probably one of the greater things in my life to have my son follow my footsteps.”

Kyle says it was about seven years ago after graduating from college that he knew he wanted to follow his father’s footsteps. He was ready to make money.

He had been around the trade his whole life and knew working beside his dad was a great opportunity and admits he had fallen in love with the electrical trade over the years.

As Kyle transitions into the leadership role, he says his focus will be on building all that Dausin Electric and his dad have set up; getting in tune with the day and age of technology and pushing towards that. “Technology is our friend, not our enemy,” says Kyle.

Outside of technology, there have been several changes in the electrical trade and how business is done. “The technology in the equipment has changed, especially in the light fixtures. We used to have light bulbs in fixtures, now it’s all LED lighting.

CPS has even had their big changes from the coal generators. They are now going more toward solar and wind. Going green has changed it a lot.

“When we started the business before we had a fax, machines were kind of expensive when they first came out, around $6,000. We would have people ask if we could fax something to them and we would have to say no we can’t be-

cause we don’t have a fax machine. Time went on and they finally came down in price. Now it’s like “what’s a fax machine?”

I came up in the business with a Big Chief tablet and a No. 2 pencil,” recalls Ronnie.

As Kyle assumes the role of president of Dausin Electric, Ronnie won’t be far away. He says he will be in to make the coffee on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and should they need him, well there’s technology. Beyond that he will concentrate on just being dad and enjoying his newest role as grandpa.

“We want to keep the culture of Dausin Electric moving forward with hard work. No job is too difficult. No job is too small. We’ve done a good job at getting some of the younger guys in with the older generation to kind of pass the torch along, per say, on all levels, even out in the field and within the office. We have a strong team. We’re pushing and looking to doing a lot of good work here in San Antonio for another 35 years,” says Kyle.

When asked if there were any plans for expanding, Kyle had this to say. “We are looking into opening another store here in San Antonio, Austin and in Houston; possibly moving our headquarters to a new location, especially with all this construction that is going on. Exciting times are ahead of us. We’re just here to do a good job. Build San Antonio, build Texas and light it all up for them.”

Dausin Electric Inc. is a full service electrical contractor in San Antonio. -cmw

continued from Page 1 — Ridout Barrett years. “Steve brings a wealth of knowledge to our team,” states Ridout’s Founding Shareholder Tony Ridout.

Moses also brings a wealth of knowledge with her 30 years of experience.

“Cindy brings her experience in nonprofit and 401K audits that we are able to add to our team. Having someone with her experience in the firm serves as a resource for some of our younger staff members. She is able to oversee these projects which is something that definitely appealed to us,” adds Geist.

“I’m so glad to be here. I think the use of the available resources is going to be fantastic for the clients and myself. Steve is a good sounding board, but the more people, the better. You get more ideas in

and new ways to do things. It’s pretty exciting,” says Moses.

In addition to the acquisition of Stegemueller, Jett & Co, 2020 has been a busy year thus far for the Ridout Barrett team. They have also added three additional partners to their impressive leadership team. Cristina R. Baumgardner, CPA/ ABV,CFE,CIA, manages their forensics and litigation support division. Michael Moore, CPA, CCIFP, heads up the firm’s construction niche; and CPA Phil Wooten is heading up Ridout’s Austin/Central Texas office.

Ridout Barrett is a full-service certified public accounting firm with a specialty in Construction Accounting and Taxation.

-cwm

continued from Page 10 — On the spot It’s different every time but most often it would be their overall greeting. Picking up on how they say their name, their handshake, eye contact, demeanor, etc… all at once.

Barrett Myers, G.W. Mitchell Construction

The overall package: smile or lack of, confidence, appearance, sense of humor, sincerity, disposition and the vibe I’m getting from this person. Are they someone to get to know or should I run as far and as fast as I can scramble?

Carmarie Hangins, Konstruct Built Ents.

San Antonio Construction News • MAR 2020

Dos Sirenos

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or 20 years, Baker Triangle’s Mike Sireno has been brewing beer at home. He has developed over 50 recipes and recently opened his own brewery with his son Jacob in South Town San Antonio called Dos Sirenos.

“My son Jacob watched me brew beer at home since he was 6 years old. I guess I made an impression on him. About seven years ago, Jacob bought some ingredients to make some beer. We made a batch of beer together and enjoyed it. We made another batch. Of course, since Jacob was old enough to drink, the beer was going faster

Mike Sireno, co-owner of Dos Sirenos

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Submitted to Construction News

Round-Up

Ridout Barrett Cristina Baumgardner, CPA/ABV, CFE, CIA Forensics and Litigation Support, joined the Ridout Barrett family over two year ago and has over 12 years of experience.

She holds a Bachelor and Masters of Accounting degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio.

She became a certified public accountant eight years ago. -cmw Michael Moore, CPA has been with the Ridout Barrett family for four and a half years, bringing six years prior experience with him. He holds a Masters of Accounting degree from the University of Houston. He became a certified public accountant in 2014. -cmw Rhonda Chadwick, SPHR, SHRM-SCP has been promoted to Firm Administrator.

She has been part of the RBC team for two and a half years and began her career there as the Executive Assistant. Rhonda will continue to handle the human resources functions of the firm, work closely with the partners, lead the administrative team and ensure that internal workflow is handled in an efficient manner. -cmw

Ribbon cutting, Dos Sirenos Feb. 15

Jacob Sireno, co-owner of Dos Sirenos assists patrons with their beer selections.

so we had to make more beer. The batches kept getting bigger and bigger,” laughs Sireno. The duo started going to beer festivals together, tasting the beer from other brewers and felt their beers were just as good. They entered the San Antonio Home Brewer’s Festival and took first place with one of their beers and began to wonder, “Maybe we have something here?”

What started out as a hobby has evolved into something Sireno can do after retirement. “Looking ahead to the future when I retire from construction in another 10 years or so, I realized how much I like talking to people and drinking beer. Jacob and I had some talks about opening a brewery and I thought if I can make beer and sell it…why not, let’s do it.”

On Feb. 15, the Sireno family hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony with the South San Antonio Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the opening of Dos Sirenos located in South Town, San Antonio in the Lone Star district, just a short distance from the Riverwalk.

Dos Sirenos, which means two mermen in Spanish, is truly a family affair.

Mike and Jacob are the brewers while Mike’s wife, Carrie, is the manager and oversees the front operations. Photos courtesy Mary C. Haskin Photography.

-cmw

Freese and Nichols Inc. is pleased to announce Vimal Nair, PE LEED AP BD+C has been promoted to Assistant Division Manager for Facilities. He focus will be on helping cities, higher education systems and military clients develop sustainable and resilient solutions for new and rehabilitated facilities. Nair has experience in comprehensive utility audits and system assessments helping drive energy savings and reductions in operations and maintenance costs. -cmw Wade Zemlock, PE has been promoted to Electrical Group Manager. A senior electrical engineer, he provides electrical engineering services for a range of projects for municipal and higher education facilities, pump stations and treatment plants. He is TxDOT pre-certified in illumination and experienced in electrical system design, including SCADA systems and medium-voltage distribution systems. -cmw Samantha Hopkins has joined Sundt Construction Inc. as a proposal specialist. She brings over 10 years of marketing and proposal-related experience. Hopkins holds a bachelor’s degree in speech communication with a minor in English from Texas A&M University. -cmw

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San Antonio Construction News • MAR 2020

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Beaming with pride

he San Antonio Humane Society along with Metropolitan Contracting hosted a beam signing ceremony for the major donors of the new 17,685sf medical facility. “Our donors are the backbone of this project and have made this possible so we dedicate a beam that will also be the support of the building to put their permanent signature on the building,” says San Antonio Human Society Chief of Community Engagement Traci Gomez.

The project designed by Alamo Architects and overseen by Project Control is scheduled for completion in mid Aug. of this year. -cmw

Industry FOLKS Stephanie Garcia Quality Manager

Rogers-O’Brien Construction San Antonio, TX

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tephanie Garcia was born in San Antonio and grew up in Coral Springs, FL. She wore flip flops everywhere and experienced hurricane days instead of cold/snow days like here in Texas. Alligators were no big deal, sunscreen is your best friend and Publix makes the best subs. “Being a Floridian just means you’ve been blessed with a little more sunshine than the rest,” says Garcia.

Garcia moved back to Texas in 2001 and graduated from New Braunfels High in 2003 where she was a member of the Marine ROTC unit and made it to Cadet Major her senior year. She later graduated from the University of the Incarnate Word in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design and then from UTSA in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture.

Having grown up around construction sites as a little girl, she always had a passion for ancient architecture. She journeyed to distant places and visited the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Great Wall of China, the Roman Colosseum and the Petra in Jordan.

Garcia joined the construction industry when she submitted her resume on constructionjobs.com and was called to interview for the AT&T Center Renovation project in 2015. “Once the project was completed, I did not want to move out of the state and was referred to apply for a position at Rogers O’Brien Construction, which is “Texas’ Premier Builder.” I am a proud Texan and Texas will always be my home.”

Garcia has been the Quality Manager for Rogers O’Brien for two years. “I

really enjoy my role in QAQC realm.

Commitment to quality is one of my favorite Rogers O’Brien core values. Doing things right the first time and planning before proceeding to ensure excellence in our work is priority. It is very important to understand the specifications and drawings to make sure inspections will pass and we meet our deadlines.

I really enjoy interacting with the trades and design teams involved to get the project completed. My second favorite Rogers O’Brien core value is The RO Ride, building relationships through collaboration and trust and providing exceptional customer experiences. We are all part of the team, together everyone achieves more.

A proud member of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Garcia believes that behind every successful woman, is a tribe of other successful women who have each other’s back. They have traveled the world with me, influenced me to try new things and inspire me to continue reaching all my goals.

Garcia enjoys hiking and camping with her three pets: Onyx, a 16-year-old Pomeranian weenie mix; Max, an 11-yearold yellow lab; and Sphinx, a 3-year-old cat. Together, they have been on many adventures to Texas State Parks. She also enjoys photography, hiking, jewelry beading and traveling. -cmw

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he San Antonio Chapter of the Texas Air Conditioning Contractors Association (TACCA) hosted the TACCA HVAC Expo 2020 for area contractors. Forty-five vendors were available to meet with local contractors to introduce the latest in heating, ventilation and air conditioning technology and products. The event was held on Jan. 22 at the San Antonio Shrine Auditorium.

Contractors had the opportunity to earn continuing education hours by participating in scheduled breakout sessions held throughout the day in addition to enjoying a catered barbecue lunch. -cmw

Innovations to grow

San Antonio Construction News • MAR 2020

San Antonio Construction News • MAR 2020

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To be the best

A

L-R: Office Manager Cindy Hernandez, Mac, company mascot and Linda Ruiz

s a young woman, Linda Ruiz entered the construction industry as a painter’s apprentice. Wanting to be the best, she learned the trade, inside and out, setting goals for herself.

Ruiz worked for different contractors over the years and found that after reaching her goal to become a foreman, she would still endure challenges on the job for being a woman. Determined not to let to let obstacles that presented themselves get in her way, she continued to endure.

Ruiz encountered her biggest obstacle when she worked for an employer who didn’t seem to have any drive. “He had no ambition and I had reached the highest level I could go with that company. I worked towards a company truck and I got that. I was the only woman foreman. Where else do I go? I needed a challenge,” says Ruiz. “I wasn’t excited about going to work anymore. All I could think was ‘why am I making money for somebody else?’

“I knew I could do my own thing. It

was just a matter of getting the customers. So I did,” continues Ruiz.

Ruiz started LCJ Painting LLC March 2014.” At the beginning it was just me and Smokey. Smokey worked at the company I left and later joined me,” adds Ruiz

Most of LCJ’s work in the beginning was residential, but Ruiz has made her way back to the commercial side of the industry. “We do commercial and residential painting. Since I grew up in commercial, I like commercial work better.”

No longer a two-man show, LCJ Painting has grown to include an office manager, Cindy Hernandez who has been friends with Ruiz for over 30 years, Marketing Manager Laura Cabanilla and four painters and services San Antonio and the surrounding area up to Austin.

“I’m very grateful to the customers we got when we were starting out for giving us a shot. We take pride in our work and we want to do a good job and do it right the first time.”

LCJ Painting LLC is a full-service painting contractor. -cmw

PHCC leadership

T

he Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC) welcomes their 2020 board of directors. Front Row L-R: Sarah Chambliss-Dove, Chambliss Plumbing; Sonia Arocha, Ferguson Enterprises; President Sherill Stanush, S&S Plumbing Contractors; Executive Director, Heidi Trimble, PHCC-San Antonio.

Back Row L-R: Clay Saliba, George Plumbing Co., Jason Stewart, Stewart Plumbing; Colton Bolin, Bolin Plumbing; Heather Foster, PHCC-San Antonio; George Phillips, PMI Sales & Marketing; Treasurer Carter Ramzel, Benchmark Plumbing and Secretary Randy Hunter, REC Industries. Not pictured is Vice President Patricia Ramirez, A-Ram Plumbing Co. -cmw

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San Antonio Construction News • MAR 2020